NHRC seeks report on Namsai ‘negligence’

Our Correspondent

Itanagar, May 17: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), taking cognizance of a complaint lodged by North East Human Rights Organization (NEHRO) Arunachal Pradesh unit general secretary Buteng Tayeng, on alleged medical negligence that led to death of a new born baby at Namsai, has directed issuance of a ‘notice’ to state Chief Secretary calling for a report on the matter.

“The matter shall be taken up during camp sitting/open hearing of the Commission, scheduled to be held here on May 25 next,” the NHRC notice, a copy of which was also made available to the Press said.

The Chief Secretary has been directed to remain present along with the report at the time of the hearing. The complainant is also directed to appear before the Commission personally on 25th May, 2018 at 10 am during hearing of his case.

Tayeng, in his complaint letter to the NHRC, alleged that due to medical negligence at a Govt run health centre in Namsai, condition of a pregnant woman deteriorated as the medical staffs were absent. The baby got obstructed for almost two hours at the time of delivery and later died. The mother was somehow saved.

The members of the affected family have alleged that the pregnant mother was not properly treated and no proper health check-ups were carried out prior to labour and at the time of the delivery of the baby.

The complainant has requested the Commission to intervene into the matter for a thorough investigation in the matter.

The NEHRO leader said he lodged the complaint with the NHRC only after the State Govt under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu failed to initiate a proper inquiry into the ‘infant wrongful death case’ of CHC Namsai.

“Earlier on April 29, we have written to the Chief Secretary and the CM, demanding a magisterial inquiry, headed by either the Health Commissioner or the Health Secretary, with members from the State NEHRO and ANAYA (an NGO). We also demanded that the findings be made public within 10 days and immediate suspension of the Medical Superintendent, the EMO in-charge and the nurse on duty on 26th April, so that a fair inquiry may take place,” he added.